JP2009201935A - Radiographic imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To immediately cope with the interruption of emergency imaging by switching to processing by an imaging apparatus using a portable radiation detector in emergency. <P>SOLUTION: The radiographic imaging system 10 comprises: a first imaging apparatus 22 using an imaging base housing a radiation conversion panel 70 for detecting radiation transmitted through an object 50 by radiography and converting it to radiographic image information; a second imaging apparatus 24 using a portable cassette 110 housing an accumulative phosphor panel for detecting the radiation transmitted through the object 50 by the radiography and converting it to the radiographic image information; and a host console 16 for controlling the first imaging apparatus 22 and the second imaging apparatus 24. The host console 16 has a priority processing part 203 for giving imaging processing by the second imaging apparatus 24 priority over imaging processing by the first imaging apparatus 22 and performing it when emergency imaging is instructed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiographic imaging system that performs imaging using a plurality of imaging apparatuses having different specification forms.

  2. Description of the Related Art In the medical field, imaging devices that take a radiation image by irradiating a subject with radiation and guiding the radiation transmitted through the subject to a radiation conversion panel are widely used.

  In this case, as a radiation conversion panel, a stimulable phosphor panel is known in which radiation energy as radiation image information is accumulated in a phosphor and radiation image information can be extracted as stimulated emission light by irradiating excitation light. ing. The stimulable phosphor panel on which the radiation image information is recorded is supplied to a reading device and subjected to reading processing, whereby a radiation image as a visible image can be obtained.

  Further, in a medical field such as an operating room, it is required that the radiation image information can be read and displayed immediately from the radiation conversion panel in order to perform a quick and accurate treatment on the patient. Radiation conversion using a solid-state imaging device that converts radiation directly into an electrical signal, or converts radiation into visible light with a scintillator, and then converts it into an electrical signal and reads it as a radiation conversion panel that can meet such requirements. Panels are being developed.

  There are various types of imaging apparatuses that use these radiation conversion panels to capture radiographic images with different specifications depending on the condition of a patient as a subject and imaging conditions such as an imaging region. For example, Patent Document 1 exemplifies a system in which a standing-type imaging device and a recumbent-type imaging device are mixed.

  Further, in a medical field such as an operating room, it is necessary to perform radiographic imaging of an emergency patient quickly in order to perform a quick and accurate treatment on a patient. Patent documents 2 and 3 are proposed as a system corresponding to such an emergency.

  In the system described in Patent Document 2, when an emergency imaging mode is instructed in a medical diagnostic apparatus, an emergency preset condition is selected and displayed on a monitor, and an operator selects and executes an imaging condition according to this display. It is.

  In the system described in Patent Document 3, an emergency control unit having an emergency control means is provided independently of the central control unit. When the central control unit goes down, the emergency control unit bears a part of the processing of the central control unit. Is to do.

JP 2001-340326 A JP 2002-165882 A Special table 2004-527303 gazette

  By the way, in the system corresponding to the emergency of the cited documents 2 and 3 described above, the emergency preset condition is displayed or the emergency control unit is only driven in the event of an emergency, and the emergency photographing apparatus performs processing. It doesn't switch.

  In other words, in the conventional system, processing corresponding to an emergency, for example, shooting in a corridor on the way to the operating room, or shooting while lying on a transported table without moving a serious patient to the imaging table For example, when performing emergency radiography for an emergency patient, there is a problem in that it cannot be handled immediately.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and can switch to processing by an imaging apparatus using a portable radiation detector in an emergency, and immediately respond to an emergency imaging interruption. An object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic imaging system capable of

A radiographic imaging system according to the present invention includes a first imaging device that uses an imaging table that houses a first radiation conversion panel that detects radiation transmitted through a subject by radiography and converts the radiation into radiation image information;
A second imaging device using a portable radiation detector that houses a second radiation conversion panel that detects radiation transmitted through the subject by radiography and converts the radiation into radiation image information;
A processing device for controlling the first photographing device and the second photographing device;
The processing device includes priority processing means for preferentially performing photographing processing by the second photographing device over photographing processing by the first photographing device when an instruction for emergency photographing is given.

  As described above, according to the radiographic imaging system according to the present invention, it is possible to switch to processing by an imaging apparatus using a portable radiation detector in an emergency, and immediately respond to an emergency imaging interruption. be able to.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a radiographic image capturing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  1 and 2 show a configuration of a radiographic imaging system 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment. The radiographic imaging system 10 includes a medical information system 12 (HIS: Hospital Information System) that manages medical paperwork in a hospital, and radiology information that manages radiographic imaging processing in the radiology department under the control of the HIS 12. System 14 (RIS: Radiology Information System), viewer 15 for performing diagnostic interpretation by a doctor, and host console that is installed in a processing room adjacent to a radiology imaging room and manages various imaging apparatuses with different specification forms 16, a first console 18 and a second console 20 that are installed in the processing chamber and manage and control a specific imaging device, a first imaging device 22 controlled by the first console 18, and a second console 20. Second imaging device 2 If, being controlled by the second console 20, and a reader 26 reads the radiation image information captured by the second image capturing apparatus 24, which are connected to each other by in-house network 28. The in-hospital network 28 can be connected with other consoles, photographing devices, and the like as necessary.

  The host console 16 uses the HIS 12 to set patient information such as the patient's name, sex, and age, the radiographic image capturing method for the patient set by the doctor or engineer using the RIS 14, the imaging region, and the imaging used for imaging. The imaging instruction information including imaging conditions such as a tube voltage, a tube current, and a radiation irradiation time set for the radiation source constituting the imaging apparatus to be used is acquired via the in-hospital network 28. The information is supplied to the corresponding first console 18 or second console 20. Further, the host console 16 can also perform processing by the first console 18 or the second console 20. Therefore, by replacing the first console 18 or the second console 20 with the host console 16, a cheaper system configuration can be obtained. The host console 16 and the second imaging device 24 are connected to barcode readers 30 and 32 for acquiring ID information for specifying a radiation conversion panel applied to the first imaging device 22 described later.

  FIG. 3 is a configuration block diagram of the host console 16, the first imaging device 22, and the second imaging device 24.

  The control unit 34 (processing order setting device) of the host console 16 is connected to the RIS 14, the first console 18, the second console 20, the first imaging device 22, the second imaging device 24, and the reading device 26 via the hospital network 28. Necessary information is sent and received between the two. The host console 16 sets the shooting instruction information using the operation setting unit 36 and the operation setting unit 36 or receives the shooting instruction information set by the RIS 14 and stores it in the shooting instruction information memory 38. According to the unit 40 and the set imaging instruction information, the specific first console 18 or the second console 20 that processes the radiation image information is selected, and the corresponding imaging instruction information is selected as the selected first console 18 or second. A console selection unit 42 to be supplied to the console 20, an image processing unit 44 that performs image processing on the radiation image information acquired from the first imaging device 22 or the second imaging device 24, and an image that stores the processed radiographic image information A memory 46 and a display unit 48 for displaying radiation image information are provided.

  In addition, when the control unit 34 captures a plurality of radiographic images with respect to the same subject 50 using both the first imaging device 22 and the second imaging device 24, the control unit 34 performs an imaging process according to the imaging instruction information. The order is set, the first console 18 and the second console 20 are selected in the processing order, and the imaging instruction information is supplied.

  The first console 18 and the second console 20 have substantially the same functions as the host console 16 except for the control unit 34 having a function of acquiring imaging instruction information from the RIS 14 and the console selection unit 42. Note that the host console 16, the first console 18, and the second console 20 do not necessarily have different configurations, and may have the same configuration.

  The first imaging device 22 is a standing imaging device that captures a radiographic image of the chest of the subject 50, and a radiation conversion panel using a radiation source 64 controlled by the radiation source control unit 66 and a solid-state imaging device described later. And an imaging table 60 disposed opposite to the radiation source 64. The radiation source control unit 66 drives and controls the radiation source 64 in accordance with the imaging conditions set by the host console 16.

  FIG. 4 shows a circuit configuration of the radiation conversion panel 70 housed in the imaging table 60.

  In the radiation conversion panel 70, a photoelectric conversion layer 72 made of a material such as amorphous selenium (a-Se) that senses radiation and generates charges is arranged on an array of thin film transistors (TFTs) 74. After the generated charge is stored in the storage capacitor 76, the TFT 74 is sequentially turned on for each row, and the charge is read out as an image signal. In FIG. 4, only the connection relationship between one pixel 78 including the photoelectric conversion layer 72 and the storage capacitor 76 and one TFT 74 is shown, and the configuration of the other pixels 78 is omitted. Amorphous selenium must be used within a predetermined temperature range because its structure changes and its function decreases at high temperatures. Therefore, it is preferable to provide means for cooling the radiation conversion panel 70 in the imaging table 60.

  To the TFT 74 connected to each pixel 78, a gate line 80 extending in parallel with the row direction and a signal line 82 extending in parallel with the column direction are connected. Each gate line 80 is connected to a line scanning drive unit 84, and each signal line 82 is connected to a multiplexer 86 constituting a reading circuit.

  Control signals Von and Voff for controlling on / off of the TFTs 74 arranged in the row direction are supplied from the line scanning drive unit 84 to the gate line 80. In this case, the line scanning drive unit 84 includes a plurality of switches SW1 for switching the gate lines 80, and an address decoder 88 for outputting a selection signal for selecting one of the switches SW1. An address signal is supplied from the control unit 100 to the address decoder 88.

  Further, the charge held in the storage capacitor 76 of each pixel 78 flows out to the signal line 82 via the TFTs 74 arranged in the column direction. This charge is amplified by the amplifier 92. A multiplexer 86 is connected to the amplifier 92 via a sample and hold circuit 94. The multiplexer 86 includes a plurality of switches SW2 for switching the signal line 82 and an address decoder 96 for outputting a selection signal for selecting one of the switches SW2. An address signal is supplied from the control unit 100 to the address decoder 96. An A / D converter 98 is connected to the multiplexer 86, and radiation image information converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 98 is supplied to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 supplies the acquired radiation image information to the first console 18 that controls the first imaging device 22 via the in-hospital network 28.

  The second imaging device 24 is a supine imaging device that captures a wide range of radiation images including the chest of the subject 50, and is disposed opposite to the radiation source 104 controlled by the radiation source control unit 102 and the radiation source 104. And an imaging stand 108. A slot 112 in which a cassette 110 containing the stimulable phosphor panel P is loaded is disposed on the side of the imaging stand 108. The second imaging device 24 is controlled by the second console 20 via the hospital network 28. The second imaging device 24 is different in specification form from the first imaging device 22. The radiation source control unit 102 drives and controls the radiation source 104 according to the imaging conditions set by the host console 16.

  In the stimulable phosphor panel P, a stimulable phosphor layer for accumulating the energy of the irradiated radiation X is formed on a support, and stimulated emission corresponding to the energy accumulated by irradiating excitation light. While outputting light, the remaining energy can be removed and reused by irradiating a predetermined amount of erasing light.

  The cassette 110 accommodates the stimulable phosphor panel P so as to be detachable via the lid member 114, and the outer surface portion thereof individually identifies the stimulable phosphor panel P accommodated therein. A barcode 116 in which identification information such as a unique number, a size, and sensitivity is recorded is attached. The barcode 116 can be read by the barcode reader 32 connected to the second console 20 or the barcode reader 30 connected to the host console 16.

  Of course, since the cassette 110 is portable, radiation imaging can be performed using only the radiation source and the cassette 110. For example, even without going to the radiography room, it is possible to take a picture in a corridor on the way to the operating room, or to take a picture of the critically ill patient while lying on the transported stage without moving it to the imaging stage.

  The radiation image information recorded on the storage phosphor panel P of the cassette 110 is read by the reading device 26 configured as shown in FIG. The reading device 26 is controlled by the second console 20 together with the second photographing device 24.

  The reading device 26 includes a cassette loading unit 120 at an upper portion of the casing 118, and stores a stimulable phosphor panel P in which radiation image information is accumulated and recorded in a loading port 122 formed in the cassette loading unit 120. The cassette 110 is loaded. A barcode reader 124 that reads the identification information of the barcode 116 disposed in the cassette 110, a lock release mechanism 126 that unlocks the lid member 114 of the cassette 110, and a lid member 114 are provided near the loading port 122. An adsorption board 128 that adsorbs and takes out the stimulable phosphor panel P from the opened cassette 110 and a nip roller 130 that sandwiches and conveys the stimulable phosphor panel P taken out by the adsorption board 128 are disposed.

  A plurality of transport rollers 132 a to 132 g and a plurality of guide plates 134 a to 134 f are arranged in series with the nip roller 130, and a curved transport path 136 is configured by these. The curved conveyance path 136 extends downward from the cassette loading unit 120, then becomes substantially horizontal at the lowermost portion, and then extends substantially vertically upward. Thereby, size reduction of the reader 26 is achieved.

  Between the nip roller 130 and the conveying roller 132a, an erasing unit 138 for erasing the radiation image information remaining on the stimulable phosphor panel P that has been read is disposed. The erasing unit 138 includes an erasing light source 140 such as a cold cathode tube that outputs erasing light.

  A platen roller 142 is disposed between the transport rollers 132d and 132e disposed at the lowermost portion of the curved transport path 136. A scanning unit 144 that reads radiation image information accumulated and recorded on the stimulable phosphor panel P is disposed on the platen roller 142.

  The scanning unit 144 derives a laser beam LB that is excitation light and scans the stimulable phosphor panel P, and stimulated emission light related to radiation image information that is excited and output by the laser beam LB. A reading unit 148 for reading.

  The excitation unit 146 reflects a laser oscillator 150 that outputs a laser beam LB, a polygon mirror 152 that is a rotary polygon mirror that deflects the laser beam LB in the main scanning direction of the stimulable phosphor panel P, and the laser beam LB. And a reflecting mirror 154 that leads to the stimulable phosphor panel P that passes over the platen roller 142.

  The reading unit 148 is connected to the condensing guide 156 disposed at one end close to the stimulable phosphor panel P on the platen roller 142 and the other end of the condensing guide 156. A photomultiplier 158 that converts the stimulated emission light obtained from the above into an electrical signal. Note that a condensing mirror 160 for increasing the condensing efficiency of the photostimulated luminescent light is disposed close to one end of the condensing guide 156. The radiographic image information read by the photomultiplier 158 is supplied to the second console 20 via the hospital network 28.

  In the above-described example, a cassette of the type that stores the stimulable phosphor panel P is shown as the cassette 110. However, instead of the stimulable phosphor panel P, a solid similar to the radiation conversion panel 70 housed in the photographing stand is used. A radiation conversion panel using an image sensor may be used. However, since the cassette 110 containing the stimulable phosphor panel P is not broken even if it is dropped, it can be handled in a messy situation and there is no electrical mechanism. It is excellent in that it is not necessary to worry about the intrusion, and cleaning and the like are easy.

  The in-hospital network 28 can be connected with imaging devices of other specification forms, for example, CT devices and MR devices, and can be connected with a console for controlling these imaging devices.

  Here, a normal operation of the radiographic imaging system 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment (an operation other than an emergency in a state where power is supplied to the entire system) will be described.

  First, patient information such as a patient's name, sex, and age is set using the HIS 12, and then, in relation to the patient information, a radiographic imaging method, imaging site, imaging apparatus used for imaging, etc. Instruction information is set using the RIS 14.

  The control unit 34 of the host console 16 installed in the radiology department acquires patient information and imaging instruction information from the RIS 14 via the in-hospital network 28. On the other hand, the engineer uses the operation setting unit 36 of the host console 16 to set and change the shooting instruction information.

  For example, the engineer sets imaging conditions such as a tube voltage, a tube current, and a radiation irradiation time corresponding to the imaging region of the subject 50 with respect to the radiation source of the imaging apparatus set in the acquired imaging instruction information. The imaging conditions can also be set using the RIS 14.

  Further, it is assumed that the imaging device selected by the doctor using the RIS 14 is the first imaging device 22 and the subject 50 is using a wheelchair and the imaging using the first imaging device 22 cannot be performed. In this case, the engineer inserts the cassette 110 between the wheelchair and the subject 50 and changes the imaging instruction information related to the imaging apparatus in order to switch to imaging using the radiation source 104 constituting the second imaging apparatus 24. In addition, when the doctor selects the second imaging device 24 and the second imaging device 24 cannot be used because of adjustment or the like, the engineer switches to imaging using the first imaging device 22 as an alternative device. The shooting instruction information related to is changed.

  The imaging instruction information setting unit 40 temporarily stores the acquired patient information and imaging instruction information, or imaging instruction information including changed or newly set imaging conditions, in the imaging instruction information memory 38.

  Next, the imaging instruction information setting unit 40 reads patient information and imaging instruction information from the imaging instruction information memory 38. The console selection unit 42 is connected to the first console 18 that controls the corresponding first imaging device 22, the second console 20 that controls the second imaging device 24, or the hospital network 28 according to the read imaging instruction information. Select another applicable console.

  After the processing device is selected, the control unit 34 of the host console 16 transmits the shooting instruction information to the selected first console 18, second console 20, or other console in the order of shooting processing. The shooting instruction information is deleted from the shooting instruction information memory 38 after confirming that the transmission has been completed. When the host console 16 is a processing device that can perform processing of a plurality of photographing devices having different specification forms, the host console 16 is replaced with the first photographing device 22 instead of the first console 18 or the second console 20. Alternatively, the second imaging device 24 can be selected as a console for processing.

  The console to which the patient information and the imaging instruction information are transmitted performs the radiographic image imaging process using the managed imaging apparatus in the order of the set imaging process according to the imaging instruction information. In this case, the order of the imaging process is preferentially set for an imaging apparatus that requires time until the radiographic image information can be acquired. Specifically, for example, using both the first imaging device 22 and the second imaging device 24, the imaging instruction information is set to perform imaging processing of a plurality of radiation images on the same subject 50. Assuming that the imaging process for the second imaging device 24 that requires a reading process after imaging the radiographic image is given priority over the imaging process of the first imaging device 22.

  Therefore, first, the second photographing device 24 is controlled using the second console 20 to perform photographing processing of the subject 50.

  The second console 20 that has received the imaging instruction information from the host console 16 instructs the radiation source control unit 102 of the second imaging apparatus 24 to perform tube voltage, tube current, and radiation irradiation time, which are imaging conditions included in the imaging instruction information. Set.

  On the other hand, the technician reads the barcode attached to the cassette 110 using the barcode reader 32 connected to the second console 20 to identify the stimulable phosphor panel P housed in the cassette 110. Identification information such as a unique number, size, and sensitivity is acquired.

  Next, after the cassette 110 is loaded into the slot 112 of the second photographing device 24, an exposure switch (not shown) is operated to start photographing. The radiation source control unit 102 drives and controls the radiation source 104 in accordance with the set imaging conditions, and irradiates the subject 50 with the radiation X. The radiation X transmitted through the subject 50 is applied to the stimulable phosphor panel P housed in the cassette 110. As a result, the radiation image information of the subject 50 is accumulated and recorded on the stimulable phosphor panel P.

  The cassette 110 that stores the stimulable phosphor panel P on which the radiation image information is recorded is extracted from the second imaging device 24 and then loaded into the cassette loading unit 120 of the reading device 26.

  When the cassette 110 is loaded, the barcode reader 124 disposed in the cassette loading unit 120 reads the barcode attached to the cassette 110 and identifies the unique number, size, sensitivity, etc. of the stimulable phosphor panel P. Get information. The acquired identification information is collated with the identification information acquired by the bar code reader 32 connected to the second console 20 to confirm the correspondence between the subject 50 and the radiation image information.

  When the identification information is read, the lock release mechanism 126 is driven, and the cover member 114 is unlocked and opened. Next, the suction disk 128 sucks the stimulable phosphor panel P, takes out the stimulable phosphor panel P from the cassette 110, and supplies it between the nip rollers 130. The stimulable phosphor panel P sandwiched between the nip rollers 130 is transported to the lower part of the scanning unit 144 via a curved transport path 136 including transport rollers 132a to 132g and guide plates 134a to 134f.

  The stimulable phosphor panel P is sub-scanned and conveyed in the substantially horizontal direction by the conveying rollers 132d and 132e. On the other hand, the laser beam LB output from the laser oscillator 150 constituting the excitation unit 146 is reflected and deflected by the polygon mirror 152 that rotates at high speed, and then the lower surface is supported by the platen roller 142 via the reflection mirror 154. Guided to the stimulable phosphor panel P, the stimulable phosphor panel P is main-scanned.

  The stimulable phosphor panel P is excited by being irradiated with the laser beam LB and outputs stimulated emission light according to the stored and recorded radiation image information. This stimulated emission light is directly incident on the lower end portion of the condensing guide 156 disposed close to the stimulable phosphor panel P along the main scanning direction, or is incident through the condensing mirror 160. The stimulated emission light incident on the light collecting guide 156 is repeatedly reflected inside and guided to the photomultiplier 158 at the upper end. The photomultiplier 158 converts the incident stimulated emission light into an electrical signal, and thereby reads the radiation image information stored and recorded in the stimulable phosphor panel P.

  The radiation image information read by the scanning unit 144 is transmitted to the second console 20 via the hospital network 28. The second console 20 performs image processing according to the specifications of the second imaging device 24 on the received radiographic image information, displays and confirms the radiographic image as necessary, and then viewers via the hospital network 28 15 to send. The doctor performs necessary interpretation diagnosis based on the radiation image information transmitted to the viewer 15. When the second console 20 is performing image processing on the radiation image information that has already been received, the console selection unit 42 of the host console 16 searches for other processing devices that can be processed, and the second imaging device 24. The radiographic image information acquired by the above is transmitted to the other processing apparatus searched for image processing.

  On the other hand, while the radiographic image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor panel P is being read by the reading device 26, an imaging process using the first imaging device 22 is performed. Accordingly, a case where the first imaging device 22 is controlled using the first console 18 and the subject 50 is imaged will be described.

  The first console 18 that has received the imaging instruction information from the host console 16 instructs the radiation source control unit 66 of the first imaging apparatus 22 to perform tube voltage, tube current, and radiation irradiation time, which are imaging conditions included in the imaging instruction information. Set.

  Next, after positioning the subject 50 at a predetermined position on the imaging table 60, imaging is started by operating an exposure switch (not shown). The radiation source control unit 66 drives and controls the radiation source 64 according to the set imaging conditions, and irradiates the subject 50 with the radiation X. The radiation X transmitted through the subject 50 is applied to the radiation conversion panel 70.

  The photoelectric conversion layer 72 of each pixel 78 constituting the radiation conversion panel 70 (FIG. 4) converts the incident radiation X into an electrical signal, and the electrical signal is held in the storage capacitor 76 as a charge. Next, the charge information that is the radiation image information of the subject 50 held in each storage capacitor 76 is read according to the address signal supplied from the control unit 100 to the line scanning drive unit 84 and the multiplexer 86.

  That is, the address decoder 88 of the line scan driver 84 outputs a selection signal in accordance with the address signal supplied from the controller 100 to select one of the switches SW1, and the gate of the TFT 74 connected to the corresponding gate line 80. Is supplied with a control signal Von. On the other hand, the address decoder 96 of the multiplexer 86 outputs a selection signal in accordance with the address signal supplied from the control unit 100 to sequentially switch the switch SW2, and each pixel connected to the gate line 80 selected by the line scan driving unit 84. Radiation image information as charge information held in the storage capacitor 76 of 78 is sequentially read out via the signal line 82.

  The radiation image information read from the storage capacitor 76 of each pixel 78 connected to the selected gate line 80 of the radiation conversion panel 70 is amplified by each amplifier 92 and then sampled by each sample and hold circuit 94. The signal is supplied to the A / D converter 98 via the multiplexer 86 and converted into a digital signal. The radiographic image information converted into the digital signal is transmitted to the first console 18 by the control unit 100 via the in-hospital network 28.

  Similarly, the address decoder 88 of the line scan driving unit 84 sequentially switches the switch SW1 according to the address signal supplied from the control unit 100, and is held in the storage capacitor 76 of each pixel 78 connected to each gate line 80. The radiographic image information as the charge information is read out via the signal line 82 and transmitted to the first console 18 via the multiplexer 86, the A / D converter 98 and the control unit 100.

  The first console 18 performs image processing according to the specifications of the first imaging device 22 on the received radiographic image information, displays and confirms the radiographic image as necessary, and then views the viewer via the hospital network 28. 15 to send. The doctor performs necessary interpretation diagnosis based on the radiation image information transmitted to the viewer 15. When the first console 18 is performing image processing of the radiation image information that has already been received, the console selection unit 42 of the host console 16 searches for other processing devices that can be processed, and the first imaging device 22. The radiographic image information acquired by the above is transmitted to the other processing apparatus searched for image processing.

  As described above, the radiographic image is obtained by preferentially performing the imaging process by the second imaging device 24 and performing the reading process by the reading device 26 requiring processing time and the reading process by the first imaging device 22 in parallel. Can be obtained efficiently.

  Next, a characteristic configuration and operation of the radiographic imaging system 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 6.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the radiographic imaging system 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment is activated based on the ON operation of the main power switch 200 installed in the operation setting unit 36. And a menu display control unit 204 activated by the priority activation unit 202.

  Here, each function of the priority activation unit 202 and the menu display control unit 204 will be described.

  First, the power from the main power supply 206 is supplied to the host console 16 based on the ON operation of the main power switch 200, and the first console 18 and the corresponding first imaging device 22 based on the ON operation of the first power switch 208. Power from the first power supply 210 is supplied to the second console 20 and the second imaging device 24 corresponding to the second console 20 based on the ON operation of the second power switch 212. When the power from the third power supply 218 is supplied to the reading device 26 based on the ON operation of the third power switch 216, the normal operation described above is performed.

  However, the emergency imaging instruction is not always performed when the radiographic imaging system 10 performs a normal operation. For example, the radiographic imaging system 10 is instructed to perform emergency imaging in a state where the power from the main power source 206, the first power source 210, the second power source 214, and the third power source 218 is not supplied (there is an emergency at night). When the power supply to the second imaging device 24 is stopped or in preparation for processing by the first imaging device 22, an emergency imaging instruction may be given. The emergency shooting instruction may be set by the operation setting unit 36 or may be set by the RIS and transmitted to the host console 16. Of course, if the entire radiographic imaging system 10 is in a power-off state, the ON operation of the main power switch 200 is nothing but an emergency imaging instruction.

  Therefore, the priority activation unit 202 is activated based on the ON operation of the main power switch 200 of the host console 16, and first turns on the second power switch 212. This forcibly turns on the second power switch 212 regardless of whether or not the photographing instruction information includes a photographing instruction using the second photographing device 24. As a result, power from the second power source 214 is supplied to the second console 20 and the second imaging device 24. Thereafter, the priority activation unit 202 controls the console selection unit 42 to forcibly select the second console 20 and the second imaging device 24. At the same time, the menu display control unit 204 is activated. As a result, the second imaging device 24 is activated, and a menu screen for the second imaging device 24 is displayed on the display unit connected to the second console 20, and is controlled by the menu display control unit 204. A menu screen for the second imaging device 24 is forcibly displayed on the display unit 48 of the host console 16. The engineer can take a picture while viewing the displayed menu screen. That is, when there is an instruction for emergency shooting, the shooting process by the second shooting apparatus 24 is performed with priority over the shooting process by the first shooting apparatus 22. Accordingly, the above-described priority activation unit 202 and console selection unit 42 function as the priority processing unit 203.

  As described above, the second imaging device 24 using the portable cassette 110 is activated preferentially, so that processing corresponding to an emergency, for example, imaging in a corridor on the way to the operating room or imaging of a serious patient is performed. It is possible to carry out a process of taking an image while being laid on the conveyed table without moving it to the table, and for example, it is possible to immediately cope with an emergency radiography for a sudden illness at night.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, since the cassette containing the stimulable phosphor panel P is used as the cassette 110, there are the following advantages.

  That is, as described above, the first imaging device 22 uses the radiation conversion panel having the photoelectric conversion layer 72 made of a substance such as amorphous selenium (a-Se) that senses radiation and generates charges. Therefore, even if the first power switch 208 is turned on and activated, it takes time until the power supply to the first imaging device 22 is stabilized, and it is necessary to perform calibration each time the apparatus is activated. For example, it takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour from the start up until it can actually be used (photographable state).

  On the other hand, in the second imaging device 24 using the stimulable phosphor panel P, the second power switch 212 is turned on, and further, the third power switch 216 of the reading device 26 is turned on to start the reading device 26. Once completed, it will be operational. Accordingly, since the time required for starting the reading device 26 is about 1 minute, the second imaging device 24 can operate in about 1 minute. However, since the radiation source normally takes about 8 minutes to stabilize, it can be said that the second imaging device 24 has almost no waiting time.

  As described above, the second imaging device 24 can operate in about 1 minute from the start of power supply from the second power source 214, and about 8 minutes from the start of power supply. The radiation source 104 is stabilized and ready for imaging. Therefore, when the radiographic imaging system 10 is in a power-off state, imaging with the second imaging device 24 can be performed in about 8 minutes from the time when the main power switch 200 is turned on. For example, emergency radiography for an emergency patient is performed. Cases can be dealt with quickly.

  By the way, after the entire radiographic imaging system 10 is operated, the power supply to the second imaging device 24 is stopped or the power supply to the second imaging device 24 is maintained in order to reduce power consumption. In this state, the first imaging device 22 is set in a standby state (the menu screen for the first imaging device 22 is displayed on the display unit 48 of the host console 16) so that the imaging process by the first imaging device 22 can be performed at any time. There may be.

  In such a situation, when an instruction for emergency shooting is interrupted, in the present embodiment, instead of shooting with the first shooting device 22 in the standby state, the priority activation unit 202 performs the same as described above. 2 The power switch 212 is turned ON, and the console selection unit 42 can preferentially perform the imaging process in the second imaging device 24. Of course, since the menu display control unit 204 is also activated, the menu screen for the second imaging device 24 is displayed on the display unit 48 of the host console 16. As a result, the photographing process by the second photographing device 24 is performed with priority over the photographing process by the first photographing device 22. Moreover, it is possible to respond quickly without waiting for the patient for a long time until the photographing is ready.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, Of course, it can change freely in the range which does not deviate from the main point of this invention.

  For example, the first imaging device 22 incorporates a radiation conversion panel 70 made of a solid-state imaging device shown in FIG. 4, and the second imaging device 24 is loaded with a stimulable phosphor panel P. The imaging device 22 may be configured to incorporate a stimulable phosphor panel P and a reading unit that reads radiation image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor panel P. In this case, after imaging using the second imaging device 24, radiographic image information is efficiently obtained by performing imaging processing and reading processing by the first imaging device 22 in parallel with reading processing by the reading device 26. Can be obtained.

  Further, as described above, the radiation conversion panel 70 made of a solid-state imaging device can be applied to the second imaging device 24. Also in this case, radiation processing is performed by performing imaging processing using the first imaging device 22 in parallel with reading processing of radiation image information from the radiation conversion panel 70 following the imaging processing by the second imaging device 24. Image information can be acquired efficiently.

It is a block diagram of the radiographic imaging system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a typical explanatory view of a radiographic imaging system. It is a block diagram of the configuration including a host console, a first imaging device, and a second imaging device of the radiographic imaging system. It is a circuit block diagram of the radiation conversion panel which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the reading apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function of a priority starting part.

Explanation of symbols

10. Radiation imaging system 12. HIS
14 ... RIS
16 ... Host console 18 ... 1st console 20 ... 2nd console 22 ... 1st imaging device 24 ... 2nd imaging device 26 ... Reading device 28 ... Hospital network 42 ... Console selection part 50 ... Subject 200 ... Main power switch 202 ... Priority Starting unit 203 ... Priority processing unit 204 ... Menu display control unit 206 ... Main power source 208 ... First power switch

Claims (6)

A first imaging device using an imaging table that houses a first radiation conversion panel that detects radiation transmitted through a subject by radiography and converts the radiation into radiation image information;
A second imaging device using a portable radiation detector that houses a second radiation conversion panel that detects radiation transmitted through the subject by radiography and converts the radiation into radiation image information;
A processing device for controlling the first photographing device and the second photographing device;
The processing device includes a priority processing unit that, when an emergency imaging instruction is given, includes a priority processing unit that prioritizes imaging processing by the second imaging device over imaging processing by the first imaging device. Image shooting system. In the radiographic imaging system of Claim 1,
The processing device has a display device,
Radiographic imaging, comprising: a menu display unit that is activated by the priority processing unit and displays a menu screen for the second imaging device on the display device when the emergency imaging instruction is given system. In the radiographic imaging system according to claim 1 or 2,
The radiographic imaging system characterized in that the priority processing means activates the second imaging device in preference to the first imaging device based on activation of the processing device. In the radiographic imaging system according to claim 1 or 2,
The priority processing means supplies power to the second imaging apparatus when the emergency imaging instruction is given in a state in which neither the first imaging apparatus nor the second imaging apparatus is supplied with power. A radiographic imaging system characterized by performing control so as to be performed with priority over one imaging apparatus. In the radiographic imaging system according to claim 1 or 2,
The priority processing means uses the second imaging device when power is supplied to at least the first imaging device and the emergency imaging instruction is given in a state of preparation for imaging processing by the first imaging device. A radiographic imaging system characterized by controlling to switch to processing. In the radiographic imaging system of any one of Claims 1-5,
The radiation image capturing system, wherein the second radiation conversion panel comprises a stimulable phosphor panel.

Images